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Icons of Change International Awards 2026

Jonathan Saw
Former Australian Trade & Investment Commissioner and Consul (Commercial) to Vietnam & Cambodia
Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade)
Former Trade & Investment Commissioner to Thailand & Laos

Senior Trade and Investment Leader | International Expansion | Investment Attraction | Export Facilitation

Recipient, Australia Day Achievement Medallion 2020
Recognised, 122 Asian-Australians of 2022
Finalist, 40 Under 40: Most Influential Asian-Australians Awards 2020

SDG Focus: Goal 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth

Icons of Change 40-Under-40
Young Changemaker for International Trade, Economic Diplomacy and Australia–Asia Engagement (Australia)

Jonathan Saw is a distinguished Australian trade and investment leader whose career has been dedicated to strengthening Australia’s economic engagement with Asia, expanding international opportunities for Australian businesses and facilitating investment that contributes to economic prosperity and jobs growth.

With more than 15 years of international business experience across the public and private sectors, Jonathan has developed a distinguished career connecting governments, businesses, investors and institutions across the Asia-Pacific. His work demonstrates how effective economic diplomacy can create practical opportunities for businesses while strengthening relationships between nations.

Driving Australia’s Economic Engagement with Asia

As Australian Trade & Investment Commissioner and Consul (Commercial) to Vietnam and Cambodia, Jonathan leads whole-of-market trade and investment strategies across two of Southeast Asia’s dynamic economies. Based at the Australian Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City, he represents Australia’s commercial interests in senior government, ministerial and business forums, building trusted relationships with government agencies, industry leaders and major enterprises. His responsibilities span export growth, investment attraction, market development and strategic engagement, while supporting Australian companies as they navigate regulatory environments, identify partners and expand into international markets. Through this work, Jonathan plays an important role in strengthening Australia’s economic relationships with Vietnam and Cambodia and opening new pathways for trade, investment and collaboration.

Championing Australian Businesses in Global Markets

A defining feature of Jonathan’s career has been his commitment to helping Australian businesses succeed internationally. As Global Engagement Manager at Austrade, he led teams providing Australian businesses with strategic advice, market intelligence, services and opportunities to support their export and international expansion journeys.

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Transcript
00:00G'day, I'm Jonathan Saw and I'm honoured to be recognised as a 2026 Icons of Change honoree.
00:05Icons of Change reminds us that progress is created when people use the experience, influence and partnerships to make a
00:12meaningful difference.
00:13Throughout more than a decade working across government and business, I've learned that international trade is ultimately about people.
00:20It helps businesses enter new markets, creates jobs and supports livelihoods, build trust and relationships across borders,
00:26and can also encourage innovation and strengthen communities.
00:30I've seen this first-hand in the Asia-Pacific region, where trade and investment can be powerful drivers of economic
00:36growth, sustainable development and international cooperation.
00:39This also contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly on decent work and economic growth,
00:45on industry, innovation and infrastructure, as well as on partnerships for the goals.
00:51I accept this recognition with gratitude and share it with the colleagues, partners and communities who have made this work
00:57possible.
00:57Icons of Change encourages all of us to consider how the work we do, the opportunities we create and the
01:03connections we build can contribute to a more sustainable and connected future.
01:08Thank you to the Icons of Change once again for this recognition.
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